Singapore confirms imported case of monkeypox after flight attendant develops fever and rashes
File photo of monkeypox vesicles on a hand. (Photo: iStock)
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed one imported case of monkeypox infection in Singapore.
The patient is a 42-year-old British national who works as a flight attendant. MOH said the man was in Singapore between Jun 15 and Jun 17, and again on Jun 19 as he flew in and out of Singapore.
He tested positive for monkeypox on Jun 20.
He is currently warded in at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and his condition is stable. Contact tracing is ongoing, said MOH.
The case had onset of headache on Jun 14 and fever on Jun 16. These symptoms subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes on Jun 19.
MOH said the man sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of Jun 19, and was conveyed to NCID on Jun 20 for further assessment.
“Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore.
During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on Jun 16.
“In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact.
All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection,” said MOH.
As of Jun 21, 13 close contacts have been identified. MOH said all close contacts will be placed on quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the case.
“In addition, two low-risk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance. Persons under phone surveillance will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for any onset of symptoms.
If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission,” added the ministry.
Source: CNA/zl(gr)
